News
Emefiele’s Alleged Procurement Fraud Stalled As EFCC Absent In Court
By Hassan Taiye
Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, on Tuesday asked the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to foreclose his prosecution in alleged procurement fraud due to prosecution absence in court.
Emefiele is being prosecuted before Justice Hamza Muazu, sitting at Maitama, Abuja, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation in the case, marked CR/577/2023, on an amended 20-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, conferring corrupt advantage, forgery, conspiracy to obtain by false pretence and obtaining money by false pretence while he was CBN governor.
He was alleged to have to have used his position as CBN governor to have awarded six different contracts for the supply of different vehicles to April 1616 in which one Sa’adatu Ramalan Yaro, a member of staff of CBN is a director and shareholder, between 2018 and 2022 to the tune of N1,210,600,000, among others allegations.
Emefiele, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.
At the resumed hearing of the case on Tuesday, Emefiele, through his counsel, Mathew Burkaa SAN, urged the court to foreclose the prosecution due to its failure to be represented in court having known of today’s date since June 27 before the court went on its annual vacation.
Burkaa told the court that the matter was slated for continuation of hearing but the prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, was neither in court nor represented by another counsel.
He added that he was informed by the Registrar of the court through a WhatsApp message that there was a letter of adjournment before the court.
The senior advocate told the court that the application he was shown in the court was sent by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) which did file the matter.
According to him, the charge before the court was brought by the Office of Attorney-General of Federation and wondered why EFCC applied for adjournment of the matter.
While opposing the application for adjournment, the senior counsel wondered while any of the lawyers involved alongside the prosecutor could not be in court for the matter to go on despite the fact that the prosecution asked for an accelerated hearing of the case.
He further told the court that Emefiele and his lawyers were coming from Lagos to attend the trial.
Burkaa, therefore, urged the court to foreclose the prosecution as there was no application from the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for adjournment.
After listening to the counsel for the former CBN chief, Justice Muazu said the court would give the prosecution one last opportunity, adding that the court would do the needful should the prosecution fail to appear in court at the next adjourned date.
He,therefore, adjourned the case to October 22-23 for continuation of trial.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
photo
JUST IN: Even Tinubu moves with too many police escorts – Senator Ndume
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader